Italy’s president condemns violence over coronavirus workplace rules

Port workers gather during a protest in Trieste, Italy (Duccio Pugliese/AP)

Italy’s president strongly criticised the violence that has erupted amid protests over the country’s new coronavirus workplace health pass requirement, saying it appeared aimed at jeopardising Italy’s economic recovery.

President Sergio Mattarella spoke out as riot police again clashed with protesters at the port in the northern city of Trieste, at times using water canons to push them back.